Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces its 43rd season, opening with the World Premiere of Bruce Graham’s Sanctions, directed by BJ Jones and featuring Mary Beth Fisher. The season continues with the Midwest Premiere of The Book of Will,Lauren Gunderson's new play about the creation of Shakespeare's First Folio, directed by Jessica Thebus; followed by the Chicago Premiere of the third play in Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit trilogy, Skeleton Crew, directed by Ron OJ Parson; and Martin McDonagh’s Tony Award-winning dark comedy The Beauty Queen of Leenane,directed by BJ Jones and featuring Kate Fry. Closing out the season is the Midwest Premiere of the heartwarming, music-filled comedy The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez, directed by Vanessa Stalling.

“Our 2017-18 Season brings back playwrights whose work we have been proud to present over the last few years. We're excited about our next world premiere with Bruce Graham, whose writing never fails to jolt us with topicality and humor. We'll also welcome back Lauren Gunderson, who brought us the wildly successful Miss Bennet; Dominique Morisseau, with the final installment of her Detroit trilogy; and Matthew Lopez, author of Northlight audience favorite The Whipping Man. I will be directing Martin McDonagh's The Beauty Queen of Leenane with the incomparable Kate Fry playing Maureen. It's a play I have always wanted to do, now celebrating its 20th Anniversary,” comments BJ Jones. “What thrills me the most is how generously our audience has embraced our efforts to discover new voices, new work, and new talents. In the last few years we have surprised audiences with work that has found its way into the canon nationwide. Our audience is our collaborator in creating art, and for that we are most grateful.”

The 2017-18 Season includes:

The World Premiere of

SANCTIONS

By Bruce Graham

Directed by BJ Jones

Featuring Mary Beth Fisher

September 14 – October 22, 2017

As a university nears the end of its probation for past NCAA violations, the athletic department gets back to the big business of college football: recruitment, alumni donations, and games on ESPN. Administrator Claire Torrance is responsible for improving player academics—despite resistance to her methods from the university dean. But when an overeager freshman tutor gets too close to some of the players, a new scandal threatens to blow up the whole program.

This biting world premiere comes from the author of Funnyman, White Guy on the Bus and The Outgoing Tide.

THE BOOK OF WILL

By Lauren Gunderson

Directed by Jessica Thebus

November 9 – December 17, 2017

William Shakespeare wrote some of the world’s most beloved plays – but without his friends, they may have been lost to history! Follow the members of Shakespeare’s own company as they cunningly navigate the production of the First Folio in 1623. They may not have any money or clear-cut rights to his work, but they’re armed with wit, humor, a deep camaraderie and a passion to preserve the plays that shaped their lives. With the help of their wives and colleagues, two actors set out not only to print a collection, but to uphold a legacy for the world.

SKELETON CREW

By Dominique Morisseau

Directed by Ron OJ Parson

January 25 – March 4, 2018

At the start of the Great Recession, rumors of impending closure surround one of the last auto plants in Detroit. The nation’s financial crisis gets personal as each of the workers confronts the life-altering choices they must make if their plant goes under, while the supervisor is torn between allegiances to his makeshift family of co-workers and management’s “cost-saving” demands. When pushed to the limits of survival, how far over the lines are people willing to cross?

The third play in Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit trilogy, Skeleton Crew was named one of Time Magazine’s 10 Best Shows of the Year.

THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE

By Martin McDonagh

Directed by BJ Jones

Featuring Kate Fry

March 15 – April 22, 2018

This Tony Award-winning dark comedy is set in the provincial Irish town of Leenane. Forty-year-old spinster Maureen Folan lives with her manipulative ageing mother Mag, stuck in a caretaking relationship that has them both seething with resentment. When a romantic encounter finally sparks Maureen’s hopes for an escape from her dreary existence, Mag’s interference sets in motion a chain of events that is as tragically funny as it is terrifying.

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE

By Matthew Lopez

Directed by Vanessa Stalling

May 10 – June 17, 2018

A down-on-his-luck Elvis impersonator has an overdrawn checking account and a baby on the way. When a drag show takes over the entertainment at the Florida Panhandle bar where he performs, he’ll also be out of a job…unless he’s willing to step into some high heels. This heartwarming, music-filled comedy celebrates the unexpected path to finding your true voice.

Subscriptions to the 2017-18 Northlight Season are available through the box office, 9501 Skokie Boulevard in Skokie, by phone at 847.673.6300 or online at northlight.org. Renewals are currently available. New subscriptions will be available beginning in May 2017. With its wide range of ticket prices, discounted subscription packages and complimentary parking, Northlight remains of one of the best theatrical values in Chicagoland.

Subscriptions range in price from $99-$250. A limited number of season subscriptions for the Opening Night performances (also includes a reception with the cast) are available for $325, subject to availability. Northlight subscribers will have the first chance to purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the general public. For more information, visit northlight.org.

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.

Now in its 42nd season, the organization has mounted over 200 productions, including nearly 40 world premieres. Northlight has earned 198 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 34 Awards. As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.

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